Mask History Part 7

The mention of Mardi gras and Carnival brings images of parades, masks and pageantry. These celebrations both stem from the same root: the celebration before Lent. Carnival is mainly associated with Venice and Europe, whereas Mardi Gras is associated with New Orleans and the Americas (even though they are one and the same). Like Halloween, these celebrations and their meanings have changed with time.

The word ‘Carnival’ actual derives its name from the phrase carnem levare, ‘to put away meat’. In many Mediterranean cities, the holiday stems from agriculture, celebrations of Dionysus and other gods of harvest. The celebrations were of ritual, of masks and dancing, celebrating the upcoming year for harvest and thanks for the previous. As Christianity rose, the rituals would die down. The Christians still wanted to convert the people, so, like Hallows Eve, festivals were held, including “Feast of Fools” and “Feast of the Innocent”, which were variations on previous pagan celebrations. These were held between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday. Fancy dress balls and Masquerades were very popular during time and these would carry forward. Each city has tailored their own celebrations since then.

The path to the well known Venice Carnival starts in 1094. The earliest reference to it is in a charter written by Doge Vitale Michael. He makes reference to ‘carnis laxatio’, or ‘forsaking of the flesh’. The indication is even at this time in history; the Venetians were finding were very wealthy and constantly looking for diversions and entertainment. In 1162, The Patriarch of Aquileia, Ulhico attacked the town of Grado with twelve armies from various towns. The people ran over the city

and took it over in short order. The Venetians , under Doge Vitale Michael grouped and gathered an armada of ships. With troops and ships, Doge recaptured Grado and defeated Ulhico. Doge captured Ulhico and many of his army. Instead of killing them, they spared their lives and sent them out of the town. Although this seems like mercy, it was not without a price. In return for their lives being spared, Ulhico was obligated to send a bull(it ended up being an ox) and 10 pigs each year to symbolise the defeated army. In a form of great pageantry, every year the ox and pigs, the “prisoners”, were marched like the condemned through the streets, with the crowds watching. The pigs and ox were “executed” by a town butcher picked for that year, and the meat would feed the festival which followed. The celebration was allowed in San Marco square, where Carnival finds its roots.

In 13^th century Europe and Venice, masks were coming into use in lent related celebrations. Lent is the Catholic ritual that involves the abstinence of a vice for a period of 40 days. The forty days were symbolic of the forty days Jesus was said to have wandered the desert until he found his ministry. Therefore, the celebration

would allow drinking, sex or other vice, before settling down for forty days. Masks meant you remained anonymous during these celebrations, and would not be held against you at later times. Masks also meant that the “higher” classes could associate with the “lower”, thus making an equal social ground. Eventually there had to be some restrictions, in the form of laws. The first written example of masks in any capacity during this time is from a law in 1268. It pertains to masqueraders being forbidden from playing a game called “eggs”, a game in which Venetian boys would throw perfumed eggs at passerby or from balconies. During this period, Carnival would start on St. Stephens Day (December 26) and continue to Ash Wednesday. The Tuesday before is known as Shrove Tuesday, also known as “Fat Tuesday”, or Mardi gras? This proceeded Ash Wednesday, the day before Lent. Different countries celebrate differently, some use the whole time between New Year and Lent as Carnival, others like Venice had a slow ramp up, with the last two days being the pinnacle of the celebrations. In 1339, law was introduced of masqueraders being prevented from being on city streets at night. In 1458 male mask wearers were forbidden to dress as women and enter convents to partake in less than “pure” social relations. There seemed to be a problem with inappropriate activities with nuns. And in 1608 mask wearers were finally told in law that they were obligated to wear masks only during carnival and official banquets. The question may be what type of punishment awaited those who wore their masks flagrantly? Quite severe it seems. Breaking one these laws would see a man sent to two years in prison, or eighteen months of rowing servitude (rowing in slave ships). Women who broke the rules were whipped. Having a mask did not give you free reign to do what you wished. Coming back to Carnival itself, there were spectacles to see. There were different sections of town with different activities. In one section would be a human pyramid and other feats of strength. There was a masked ballet performed by women in another. A bloody bull beheading contributed to the sacrificial aspect of Carnival. The highlight of the carnival was the “Dove Flight”. A rope was strung from the bell tower to Doge place. A condemned that was chosen prisoner would walk this rope. If he made it to the end, he was given gifts and his freedom. The only other alternative was to fall to his death. Over time this was replaced with a metal dove that slung down the rope to Doge place. Eventually the practice was returned with an “Angel Flight”, which has a supported performer now resuming the symbolic trip.

The celebrations continued, though even the celebrations seemed to be getting carried away. Violence and out of control rowdiness brought things to a close. The Carnival in Venice was stopped in 1797, which is surprising considering that it survived through the days of Enlightenment where the rest of Europe was asked to put down mask use and theatre. For almost two hundred years there was no Carnival in Venice, though other countries continued the tradition. Finally, in 1979 the Carnival as we know it in Venice was allowed again to resume. It was resumed not only to remember the previous history, but tourism played a big part in the return of the celebration as well. Carnival would be a great time to bring the tourism

that was coming into the country into play. To this day, Carnival is a major tourist destination every year, in Venice and elsewhere. With parades and fantastic costumes and masks, Carnival is one of the world’s biggest parties. The other name for Carnival, Mardi gras, while essentially the same, has its history across the Atlantic.

Mardi gras are a well known celebration in the Americas. New Orleans and Brazil are probably the most well known versions of this celebration. But how did Mardi gras become its own celebration in its own right? Although the accounts differ slightly, it’s generally believed that Mardi gras in North America first found its roots in 1699. It was celebrated on the banks of the Mississippi by the French immigrants from Europe. The French worked hard in raising a new life in a new land. It was hard work to start a new life. It is believed that the French decided to celebrate Carnival away from home, and in 1699 was done with gusto. In keeping with the pre-Lent celebrations, the French carried on the revelry from their homelands. The tradition continued until 1803, when Louisiana came under Spanish rule. Carnival stopped for about two decades, the Spanish not wishing to have the celebration. In 1823 it was allowed to resume when the Creole requested a return of the celebration. In 1827 street masking was made legal. Masking and celebration took place mainly on foot or horseback until. In that year, maskers started a parade through the city, which was the beginning of the well known parades held today. The celebration we know as Mardi gras had started in earnest. The celebration wasn’t without controversy, however. Because of violent behaviour, it was called to task by the press 1840 and 1850’s. The parties filled the streets, which sometimes led to violence, looting, and out of control celebrating. The press was quieted in 1857 when a group named Comus was organised to help organise the parade and keep behaviours in line. Comus took a serious approach to the celebration. Things like security were put into place. What were once unorganized parties, which spilled out and were uncontrollable at times, were now organized into specific zones. The parties, no less fun, were now controlled and kept in line. In 1866 the celebration halted for the duration of the civil war. In 1882, Krewe of Proteus was unveiled. The Krewes, a variation of the word ‘crew’, are groups that are responsible for the parades which would wind through the cities. In 1882, the first female group, Les Mysterieuses had its origin. This group put together a grand ball in its debut year, and have been a staple since. It was a visit by Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff of Russia that contributed to another part of Mardi gras celebrations. To celebrate his visit, Rex, or the king of the Carnival, was introduced. Rex and Comus became the king and queen of carnival. It was during this time that he became the symbol of Mardi gras, and picked the colours of purple, gold and green as the official colours. The first daytime parade was held this year as well. It was interrupted again in 1918 for World War One, and 1940 for World War Two. In 1950, more royalty paid tribute to Mardi gras. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor visited and paid tribute to Rex and Comus, bowing before them and their make believe kingdom. Mardi gras has continued to the present day celebration, with variations, into Rio, Mobile, Alabama, Sao Paulo, and Nice, France. Venice, of course, still has Carnival. Although essentially a twin child to Carnival, it has developed its own personality in the Americas. In the latter half of the 20^th century, the celebration has opened up to be a larger celebration to all. Now the day is essentially seen as a tourist holiday, and a time for drinking and revelry. Both orthodox and Catholic tend to have very little to do with the day now, as they feel it is simply an excuse for excess, and not in holding with the significance of the following holy ritual days. Mardi gras’ scope of celebration did fall in the mid 1990’s, as economics and politics scaled down the celebration. The celebrations still continue, but in New Orleans tend mainly to be held in the historic and main districts of New Orleans, with the emphasis more on partying and celebrating-with or without masks, than ritual.

So as we wrap up our general history timeline of masking, next time we shall go into more detal. It being October, we shall look more closely at the origins of Halloween, and how the day turned from one of a pagan celebration, to our current celebration, and what the future of the celebration holds.

Masking History Part 6

As we look at Latin and South America, their own traditions of mask celebrations were taking hold. "The Day Of The Dead" is a celebration that has a murky history. The day is the celebtration of past loved ones. The general thme of the day is that one invites the deceased into their homes, where there are offerings left out for them of food and gifts. This celebration is one of their past lives and accomplishments, and not dwelling on the fact that they are gone. It goes with the spiritual idea that "as long as they are remembered, they will always have life". The day is currently celebrated between Oct 30 to Nov 2, though there these vary according to region. The day used to be celebrated through the months of August and September, but it is believed that when The Spanish came to Latin America, like their European counterparts, they were aghast that the dead would celebrated in such a manner. After much friction, the days are believed to have been changed to the current October/November days to keep in line with Christianity's "All Hallows Eve(Halloween), and All Saints day. Again it is murky. Also murky is how far back the celebration goes. There are records that show the Mayans celebrated the day in some fashion.
Masks play a huge role. "Catrina", or "The Lady Of The Dead" is the feminine representation of death, and her face is worn in parades and celebrations, as well as her image being very visible. Masks of skulls and other death related images are worn. The masks can range from Plastic to paper mache to Latex to face paint. There is food, drink and memorials of those who are departed. It is a day to remember those we loved, and the lives they shared with us.

In the next part, which will be the final "Overview" of masking history before we get into specific. we will take a closer look at the origins of Mardi Gras in North America-and how masks were used in part to "hide in plain sight" in its origins.

Maskingfaces Notebook: Mask History Part 5

Maskingfaces Notebook: Mask History Part 5: "Mask History So, in the previous part we looked at Masks in Japanese theatre. We travel back to about 13000 BCE and find ourselves in Nor..."

Mask History Part 5

Mask History



So, in the previous part we looked at Masks in Japanese theatre. We travel back to about 13000 BCE and find ourselves in Norther America. Masks are believed to have been used during this time. The bering strait is the oceanic boundry between modern day Alaska of the United States and Russia. During this time period, the Strait was frozen over, and it is believed that many made they way form the Asian continent into North America. The Inuit are seen as of the oldest "named" people of the time, living in Alaska and the North West Territories of Canada. These people were using stone masks ads part of their own rituals, as stone artefacts have been found in this area dating to around 2000 BCE. As time moved so did the people, as more came into North America. As we move southward into the United States, the Hohokum people would populate what is now teh modern day Southwest-the dating for this time is between 1200-BCE-400 AD. People spread out into different regions. In the Pacific Northwest, the native people have used wooden masks of increasing complexity to tell stories of their history, of their gods and goddesses, and as a way of telling parables to teach lessons about life. These masks would get so involved that 2 or even three piece "mask within masks" were used to tell these stories. For example, a story teller might tell a story of a salmon, and have a mask showing the different parts of the salmon's life and experiences. These masks grew to be very large in size and are considered works of art in themselves. The use of these masks regularly occured until the Europeans started landing on North American shores in the 15th century. While the masks would still be used, the expansion of the settlers over the centuries would intermingle with the Native people, leading to less focus on all aspects of that life, including mask ritual.



In the next part, we will take a look at Mexico and Latin countries, and how their celebration of the dead has a strong mask influence.

Mask History Part 4

So, as Europe came out of the Dark Ages, and the Masks slowly following, an intriguing little bit of mask history was taking place far to the East in Japan. The masks were originally thought to have found their origin in Korea, but the details are sketchy. Very few original masks remain, and we know so little about them. The Gigaku masks had the forms of animals, demons and "super humans". The faces were made of wood and portrayed dramatic expressions. This theatre would go through a number of incarntions, leading eventually to Noh theatre, which is still performed in Japan and Asia. Noh, introduced by Kannami Zeami in 1336, also uses masks. Unlike our theatre, performances in Noh can take a full day to tell a story, and often have epic plots with detailed characters. An interesting fact about Noh is that Men would play both male and female roles, as females were forbidden from the stage, not unlike European theatre during this time. As a result, the men would wear female masks and become "dolls" or "dolling" practice. This practice would eventually contribute to modern day Kigurumi, "dolling" involves wearing a full body suit and mask of a female character for Anime and Manga characters, though it is not the only form of Kigurumi-other forms include "fur suit" or "furries", what we would know in North America as "mascots"; large animal costumes including fully encased head.

So Asia and Europe were moving forward with their mask making and wearing, where does North America lie? As we'll discover in our next part, we find masks dating back over ten thousand years before Common Era, not unlike our earlier discovery in France-though a different history is uncovered.

Mask History Part 3

Mask History part 3

So as we head towards into the first centure CE (Common Era), the Romans would slowly work their way into the Celtic territories. As they came into the region, they discovered the Celtic celebrations. Instead of outright changing the celebrations, which closely mirrored their own, they integrated their own. The celebrations were essentially more celebrations to the gods and goddesses, but their own were substituted for the "pagan" deities they felt the Celts celebrated, and the masks continued to be worn.
As we approach the turning into the Common Era, Christianity would be rising throughout Europe, and after the fall of Rome, this would turn into what is referred to as the "Dark Ages"; being called such because there isn't a lot of information of what happened, as anything seen as artistic or celebratory or "worldly" was frowned upon, and the masks were part of that. The focus came onto biblical teachings and the church, anything else was deemed not useful or desired.
So what happened? This continued until the around the 5th century. It was the church who actually was responsible for the return of masks to the public, among many other things. The crux of the situation is that much devotion was occuring in churches. Any plays were based on biblical history and meant as a teaching tool and nothing more. Yet the belief seemed to crop up that they were losing a chance at adding parishoners. So the church set up a stage outside the church to tell the stories to the masses that they had kept in the church itself. Because there was no concern about being on hallowed ground, more creativity was encouraged. In the 12th century, there is record of priests setting up a play called "The Mystery Of Adam", a telling of part of Genesis. There were trap doors and sound effects, and at one point a couple of characters playing demons, complete in demon masks, whisked Adam off and on the stage before dropping through a trap door. The plays would get more elaborate, and the masks would respond in kind.
So we know about Europe, what about elsewhere in the world? Where else can we see the masks? In the next part I will be discussing how Asian theatre, particularly Japanese theatre, was flourishing, and the influences of that can be seen even today in North America.

Mask History Part 2

There is a strange artifact that is dated approximately 33,000 BCE. It is from the Neanderthal era. It is a stone sslab, that looks like it has a carved nose and two carved eyes. It certain looks like a mask, however because of iits design it could very well be either a natural formation or something carved for another purpose. The earliest accepted stone artifact mask is in fact dated from 7.000 BCE. It is a plain carved face, with holes for eyes and a distinct nose and mouth. The mask current sits in the Musee de la bible in et Terre Sainte in France. Again the purposes are unknown. Was it a ceremonial mask, or simply a post modern human trying to understand themselves?
The earliest evidence of masks definitely being used in ceremony dates from approximately 2000 BCE. The Celts were using masks as part of pagan ceremonies and ritual. The celts were a group of tribes that existed during the Iron Age in what is now the modern day United Kingdom and Britian, from approximately 2000-400 BCE. Many of their rituals followed the passing of the seasons, including a the forerunner of what would be Halloween, called Samhain, which is still observed in parts of the world.

So from our cave dwelling days to just before the turn of the common era, masks have had an important part of our history, and a way of us trying to understand ourselves. The turn to the Common Era would be a time of darkness for masks, before coming back to prominence from an unexpected source.